Shutdown hurts military credibility with allies: US defence secy

US defence secretary Chuck Hagel warned Tuesday that the US federal government shutdown raised a "dark cloud of uncertainty" over overseas military missions that would raise doubts among key allies.

Even though uniformed military personnel have been exempted and will continue to be paid, the shutdown directive would inevitably damage US credibility, Hagel told reporters in Seoul, where he is on the first leg of a visit to South Korea and Japan.

The trip is largely aimed at underscoring the US commitment to its two most important military alliances in the region, and Hagel said the "completely irresponsible" stance of the US Congress could only undermine that effort.